Old House In Delray Renovated

DELRAY BEACH — If Jane Baxter`s dream becomes reality, her white Victorian-style house will be one of many on a walking tour of downtown Delray Beach.

With the idea of trying to get the city and the Delray Beach Historical Society interested in marking old homes for preservation, Baxter is refurbishing a home at 14 S. Swinton Ave.

``Delray has got a tremendous amount of Victorian landmarks that have gone to seed,`` Baxter said. ``It`s a mess. Most of them are run down and not cared for.

``As a designer, I respect the architecture that is so pure,`` said Baxter, a designer for Custom Shops Inc. ``These places are classic. I want to bring that sweet old house back.``

Now, trash is in the yard and a huge dumpster occupies part of the front lawn, which has more sand than grass. The white paint has peeled from the frame house and the front windows are boarded.

The interior has been gutted. Sawdust and dirt are everywhere as construction workers busily repair the main house and separate cottage.

``They`re using the same old pine that was used years ago, since it doesn`t have any termites,`` she said.

``When it`s finished I will have something I`m proud of that somebody will enjoy living in,`` said Baxter, who had visited Delray Beach for about 40 years before permanently relocating to the area five years ago. ``Plus, it will be something of value.``

Baxter purchased the home in 1983 for $80,000 and plans to spend an additional $50,000 in renovations.

Baxter said she was optimistic the contruction work would be completed in a few months. She will rent the house, which is a duplex, and adjacent cottage, both of which have fireplaces, to three tenants.

``A walking tour is a wonderful idea with enough support and encouragement,`` said Barbara Smith, president of Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce. ``I`m a great believer of preserving valuable property.``

``Everything will be authentic so the house won`t lose its integrity,`` Baxter said. ``The concept will be the same with the same old lumber and grill covers for air-conditioning ducts.

``We better preserve our buildings now or they will rot right from under our feet,`` Baxter said.

Built in 1912, the house was the original site of the Methodist Church Rectory, which was the first church in the city, Baxter said. After changing owners years later, it became a boarding house for World War II Air Force officers.

Until May of this year, the house was leased to a group of people who had signed a lease with the previous owner, Baxter said. When the lease expired, Baxter decided not to renew it.

``At one time, there were 35 people living in that house,`` she said. ``It was a sweet old house torn to pieces.``

Less than one block from Atlantic Avenue, the house is neighbors with some of Delray Beach`s most historic landmarks. Delray Beach Elementary School, which is 59 years old, can be seen from the yard.

With the distinction of being the oldest house in Delray Beach, the Sundy house, built in 1902, is also within walking distance.

``We will lose part of history when the buildings are destroyed. Some of these buildings have a charm that sometimes is covered with poor painting, but with a little refurbishing they will look terrific.``

Although the research is incomplete, members of the city`s historical society say they have found 22 buildings that qualify as historic landmarks.

To qualify, a building must be over 50 years old, said Joan Weir, a historical society board member. ``Members of the preservation committee are working on documenting the old sites and districts of early Delray.``

Weir, chairman of the preservation committee, said many members are eager to see a walking tour of the city`s landmarks.

``The pride in our city today is pride that I feel because it relates back to the early settlers who were eager to build a very special home,`` Weir said.

``Delray still has an aura of a special place to live, but we wouldn`t have that today if we our ancestors didn`t preserve our heritage.``